Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A control device, comprising: a memory configured to store first device operational information which indicates a first association between first timing information and a first plurality of operational modes for each of a first set of electrical devices associated with a first physical space; and control circuitry, coupled with the memory, configured to: receive at least one image, which includes an object present within the first physical space, from a first electronic apparatus associated with a first user, wherein the at least one image is captured by a first image capturing device of the first electronic apparatus; detect the presence of the first user within the first physical space based on the at least one image, including the object, received from the first electronic apparatus, wherein the object present within the first physical space includes one of: an electrical device of the first set of electrical devices, a furniture, or a picture frame; determine, based on the detected presence of the first user within the first physical space, a first operational mode from the first plurality of operational modes for each of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space; control each of the first set of electrical devices based on the determined first operational mode and the first timing information; detect a movement of the first user from the first physical space to a second physical space, wherein the second physical space is associated with a second set of electrical devices; determine a third operational mode, from the first plurality of operational modes, for at least one electrical device of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space, based on the detected movement of the first user from the first physical space; control the at least one electrical device of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space, based on the determined third operational mode and the first timing information; and wherein the first physical space includes a second image capturing device, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: control the second image capturing device to capture one or more images of an area in the first physical space based on a field-of view (FOV) of the second image capturing device; detect an image of the first user in the captured one or more images; and detect the presence of the first user within the first physical space based on the detected image.
Home automation and smart device control. This invention addresses the need for intelligent control of electrical devices within a physical space based on user presence and movement. The system includes a control device with memory and control circuitry. The memory stores operational information linking timing data to various operational modes for electrical devices in a specific physical space. The control circuitry receives images from a user's electronic device, which capture objects within the space. By analyzing these images, including specific objects like electrical devices, furniture, or picture frames, the system detects the user's presence. Based on the detected user presence and associated timing information, the system determines and applies specific operational modes to the electrical devices in that space. Furthermore, the system monitors user movement. When a user leaves the first physical space for a second space, the system can adjust the operational modes of devices in the first space to a different mode, again considering timing information. Additionally, the system can utilize a second image capturing device located within the first physical space. This device captures images of the area, and the control circuitry analyzes these images to detect the user's presence. The image capturing device's field of view is also managed by the control circuitry.
2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first timing information includes a plurality of time-zones, wherein the determined first operational mode for a first electrical device of the first set of electrical devices is different from the determined first operational mode for a second electrical device of the first set of electrical devices for a first set of time-zones of the plurality of time-zones, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: compare second timing information, which is captured at a time of the detection of the presence of the first user, with the first timing information of the first device operational information, and determine, based on the comparison, the first operational mode from the first plurality of operational modes for each of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space.
This invention relates to a control device for managing electrical devices in a physical space based on user presence and time-based operational modes. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and personalized control of multiple electrical devices in a shared or private space, where different devices may require different operational states at different times. The control device includes control circuitry that detects the presence of a user in a physical space and retrieves device operational information associated with that user. This information includes first timing information, which defines multiple time-zones, and a first plurality of operational modes for a set of electrical devices in the space. The operational modes for different devices may vary within a subset of these time-zones. For example, a lighting device may be set to "on" while a thermostat is set to "eco mode" during a morning time-zone, but both may switch to different modes in an evening time-zone. When a user is detected, the control circuitry compares the current time (second timing information) with the first timing information to determine the appropriate operational mode for each device in the set. This allows for automated, time-sensitive adjustments of multiple devices based on user-specific preferences and schedules. The system ensures that devices operate in the most suitable mode for the current time, enhancing energy efficiency and user comfort.
3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first set of electrical devices comprises one of a lighting device, an audio rendering device, an audio-video rendering device, a fan, a blind, an electronic furniture, a circulation vent, or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
4. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: receive, from the first electronic apparatus, geo-location information of the first electronic apparatus; and detect the presence of the first user within the first physical space based on the received geo-location.
5. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first physical space includes a radio frequency (RF) device, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: receive, from the RF device located in the first physical space, information about connection between the RF device and the first electronic apparatus associated with the first user; and detect the presence of the first user within the first physical space based on the received information about the connection between the RF device and the first electronic apparatus.
6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first device operational information indicates a second association between mode information and the first plurality of operational modes for each of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space, and wherein the mode information is associated with the first user.
This invention relates to a control device for managing electrical devices in a physical space, addressing the challenge of efficiently coordinating multiple devices based on user preferences and operational modes. The control device receives operational information from a first set of electrical devices in a first physical space, where this information includes a second association between mode information and a first plurality of operational modes for each device. The mode information is linked to a specific user, allowing the system to customize device behavior based on user-specific settings. The control device processes this information to determine the appropriate operational mode for each device, ensuring seamless and personalized control. This approach enhances user convenience by automating device configurations according to predefined user preferences, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. The system dynamically adapts to different users and their associated mode settings, improving energy efficiency and usability in smart environments. The invention focuses on integrating user-specific mode information with device operational data to streamline control processes in smart home or building automation systems.
7. The control device according to claim 6 , wherein the mode information includes a plurality of user profiles associated with the first user, and wherein each of the plurality of user profiles comprises one of a business mode, a welcome mode, a family mode, a friend mode, an office mode, a workout mode, a sleep mode, a party mode, a movie mode, or a guest mode, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to control each of the first set of electrical devices based on the second association between a user profile of the plurality of user profiles and the first plurality of operational modes.
8. The control device according to claim 7 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: receive calendar information, associated with the first user, from the first electronic apparatus; determine a first user profile from the plurality of user profiles based on the received calendar information; determine the first operational mode from the plurality of operational modes based on the determined first user profile; and control each of the first set of electrical devices based on the determined first operational mode.
9. The control device according to claim 7 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine a first user profile from the plurality of user profiles based on second timing information, which is captured at a time of the detection of the presence of the first user.
This invention relates to a control device for managing user-specific settings in a system, such as a smart home or office environment. The problem addressed is the need to automatically adapt system settings based on the presence of a specific user, ensuring personalized and efficient operation without manual intervention. The control device includes control circuitry that detects the presence of a user and retrieves a corresponding user profile from a stored set of profiles. Each profile contains predefined settings tailored to the user's preferences or requirements. The control circuitry determines which profile to use by analyzing timing information captured at the moment the user is detected. This timing information may include factors like the time of day, duration of presence, or historical usage patterns, allowing the system to select the most appropriate profile for the current context. The control circuitry then applies the settings from the selected profile to the system, adjusting parameters such as lighting, temperature, device configurations, or security settings. This ensures that the environment is optimized for the detected user without requiring manual adjustments. The system may also update or refine the user profiles over time based on observed usage patterns, improving accuracy and personalization. The invention enhances convenience, efficiency, and user experience in automated environments by dynamically adapting to individual needs.
10. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the memory is further configured to store second device operational information which indicates a second association between the first timing information and a second plurality of operational modes for each of the second set of electrical devices associated with the second physical space that is different from the first physical space, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: determine a second operational mode from the second plurality of operational modes for each of the second set of electrical devices associated with the second physical space based on the detected movement from the first physical space to the second physical space; and control each of the second set of electrical devices based on the determined second operational mode, wherein the determined second operational mode of at least one electrical device of the second set of electrical devices is different from the determined first operational mode of at least one electrical device of the first set of electrical devices.
11. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: determine a fourth operational mode from the first plurality of operational modes for the at least one electrical device after a predetermined time interval; and control the at least one electrical device of the first set of electrical devices based on the fourth operational mode.
This invention relates to a control device for managing electrical devices, particularly in systems where devices operate in multiple modes. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and time-based control of electrical devices to optimize performance, energy efficiency, or other operational parameters. The control device includes circuitry configured to select and apply operational modes to electrical devices. Specifically, the circuitry determines a fourth operational mode from a predefined set of modes for at least one electrical device after a predetermined time interval. The device then controls the electrical device based on this fourth mode. This ensures that the device transitions to a new operational state at scheduled intervals, allowing for adaptive or scheduled adjustments. The control circuitry may also be configured to select operational modes based on other factors, such as user input, environmental conditions, or device status. The system supports multiple operational modes, enabling flexible and automated control of electrical devices. This approach improves efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and ensures consistent performance over time. The invention is particularly useful in smart home systems, industrial automation, or energy management applications where timed adjustments are critical.
12. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the first operational mode and the third operational mode for the at least one electrical device are different from each other.
13. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: detect a presence of a second user within the first physical space, wherein the second user is associated with a second electronic apparatus; update the determined first operational mode for an electrical device of the first set of electrical devices based on the detected presence of the second user; and control the electrical device based on the updated first operational mode for the electrical device.
14. The control device according to claim 13 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to update the determined first operational mode for the electrical device based on priority information associated with the second user.
15. A method, comprising: in a control device: storing first device operational information which indicates a first association between first timing information and a first plurality of operational modes for each of a first set of electrical devices associated with a first physical space; receiving at least one image, which includes an object present within the first physical space, from a first electronic apparatus associated with a first user, wherein the at least one image is captured by a first image capturing device of the first electronic apparatus; detecting a presence of the first user within the first physical space based on the at least one image, including the object, received from the first electronic apparatus, wherein the object present within the first physical space includes one of: an electrical device of the first set of electrical devices, a furniture, or a picture frame; determining, based on the detected presence of the first user within the first physical space, a first operational mode from the first plurality of operational modes for each of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space; controlling each of the first set of electrical devices based on the determined first operational mode and the first timing information; detecting a movement of the first user from the first physical space to a second physical space, wherein the second physical space is associated with a second set of electrical devices; determining a third operational mode, from the first plurality of operational modes, for at least one electrical device of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space, based on the detected movement of the first user from the first physical space; controlling the at least one electrical device of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space, based on the determined third operational mode and the first timing information; controlling a second image capturing device to capture one or more images of an area in the first physical space based on a field-of view (FOV) of the second image capturing device, wherein the first physical space includes the second image capturing device; detecting an image of the first user in the captured one or more images; and detecting the presence of the first user within the first physical space based on the detected image.
16. A control device, comprising: a memory configured to store first device operational information which indicates a first association between first timing information and a first plurality of operational modes for each of a first set of electrical devices associated with a first physical space; and control circuitry, coupled with the memory, configured to: detect a presence of a first user within the first physical space, wherein the first user is associated with a first electronic apparatus; determine, based on the detected presence of the first user within the first physical space and the first timing information, a first operational mode from the first plurality of operational modes for each of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space; wherein the first device operational information indicates a second association between mode information and the first plurality of operational modes for each of the first set of electrical devices associated with the first physical space, and wherein the mode information includes a plurality of user profiles associated with the first user; receive electronic program guide (EPG) information from a server, wherein the EPG information includes a schedule of media content to be rendered on one of the first set of electrical devices; determine a user profile from the plurality of user profiles based on the received EPG information including the schedule of the media content; and control each of the first set of electrical devices based on the determined first operational mode and the second association between the determined user profile and the first plurality of operational modes.
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February 2, 2021
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